What are labels?
They’re the words we use to define ourselves, to define others; and how we are ourselves defined. They are the words that make us categorised, grouped and understood.
Of course context is key. These labels can often be quite innocuous, even positive. But there are also those times when they can be malicious, derogatory and harmful. When they are used to incite and divide.
Labels, the production from Joe Sellman-Leava and Worklight Theatre seeks to explore the use of these words and these labels. In light of the recent re-explosion of anti-immigration rhetoric coming at us from politicians and certain sections of the media and society.
For a show that is ostensibly looking at racism and discrimination it is remarkably full of warmth and humour. Sellman-Leava is a charismatic and gifted storyteller; the little glimpses into his personal story and the history and characters in his family temper much of the gloom of the larger subject matter. These personal stories and familial anecdotes give a very real human element and face to a debate and conversation that is often dominated by statistics and vagaries.
Labels, importantly is also quite a thought-provoking work. To an extent you’re made to think about how you perhaps use labels, or question your opinions on immigration or multiculturalism. This is definitely one of those shows that should be starting conversations.
One thing that struck me, right from the opening monologue that detailed the “evolution” of anti-immigration rhetoric (updated it seems for the Australian tour with some Abbotisms) is quite depressingly just how little it has changed. Minus a few choice classical references, there isn’t much to distinguish the words of Enoch Powell in the 1960s from the likes of David Cameron or Nigel Farage.
Labels, for me seems quite a necessary work, a work that needs to be seen as widely as possible. It’s quite a timely work as well – initially conceived around the UKIP explosion of 2014/15 in the UK, it’s still unfortunately very relevant with the likes of Donald Trump gaining traction in the US. But beyond it’s serious subject matter, Labels is quite entertaining. It’s a funny – and at times heartwarming – show and well worth your time.
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Labels is performing at the Blue Room Theatre as part of the Fringe World Festival until 6th February. Before moving onto Adelaide from the 9th Feb. For more information and ticketing click here
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